EYE CARE

Our top tips for healthy eyes

Have regular check-ups

Have your eyes tested every year even if you think your vision is fine. An eye test can spot some eye conditions and other illnesses not related to sight. Regular check-ups are vital even if you have no symptoms.

Find out your family eye health history

Talk to your relatives about your family eye health history. Some eye conditions have genetic links which increase your risk of developing them. Share this information with your optometrist or eye health professional.

Take care of your contact lenses

Thoroughly wash and dry your hands before touching your contact lenses or your eyes. Your lenses and their case should only ever be cleaned with the lens solution recommended by your optometrist. Always follow the instructions given to you by your optometrist or the lens manufacturer.

Wear sunglasses

Protect your eyes when it is sunny or when you’re in high glare areas such as near snow or water. The CE or BS EN 1836:2005 marks indicate that sunglasses provide a safe level of protection from the sun’s damaging UVA and UVB rays. Ongoing UV exposure can increase your risk of developing cataracts or possibly macular degeneration.

Protect your eyes

Don’t look directly at the sun. The ultraviolet light from the sun is quite powerful and the delicate parts of your eyes can be damaged by the sun much more quickly. Sunlight can flood your retinas, overstimulating the rods and cones that sense light and cause them to release chemicals that can damage the retinas

Wear safety glasses or protective goggles to protect your eyes from injury if you work with hazardous or airborne materials.

Keep fit and healthy

Keeping fit and well can help your eyes stay healthy. Maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure may help with eye health. Protect your eyes when playing sports involving flying balls.

Eat Well

Make sure your diet includes nutrients such as Omega 3 fatty acids, zinc and vitamins C and E. These may help to slow progress of age-related vision problems such as macular degeneration. Recommended foods for general good health include green leafy vegetables, oily fish such as salmon and citrus fruits.